When we think of the rail strikes we tend to think of stranded passengers and ruined holidays. Rail strikes also seriously threaten the vibrant work of local rail freight.

It helped keep food on our tables during lockdowns, it kept nurses protected by adequate PPE, and prevented the country coming to a standstill in the fuel crisis by delivering fuel supplies to our forecourts.

Rail freight is overlooked and under appreciated in our road congested region.

One train replaces approximately 80 lorries on our roads. It is an environmentally friendly transportation solution for business.

A National shortage of HGV drivers, the aftermath of the pandemic, Brexit bureaucracy, rising fuel costs, and cutting carbon emissions targets mean rail freight is a must do bonus to our country.

Rail freight is being damaged by over long Rail strikes. A £2.45 billion business, employing local people, which moves 8,000 tonnes of food each day, is at risk.

The longer the rail strikes go on the more sour the taste it will leave for many fellow workers and companies supporting a reliable transportation option.

Rail freight is a force to be reckoned with, which is a road congestion buster, effective, environmentally good and, essential to our technical economy.

Let’s hope we see more rail freight and less selfishness from others in the rail industry in 2023.

Doug James, Walsall